Public perceptions on the role of wayfinding in the promotion of recreational walking routes in greenspace—Cross-sectional survey

Abstract

The study explored public perceptions of the role that wayfinding signage can play to enhance engagement with recreational walking routes in greenspaces. A mixed-methods online survey was distributed within Northampton, England and there were 266 respondents. The survey had Likert scale and open text answer options to allow for respondents to share richer opinions. Key themes suggested recreational wayfinding signage could increase participants’ confidence to explore, perceptions of safety, motivation to walk further, and reduced anxiety. 33% strongly agreed that wayfinding signage for recreational walking routes should be installed in public parks and footpaths. Respondents felt strongly that motivational statements and monthly route usage statistics should not be included on signage. Wayfinding signage may promote increases in greenspace physical activity by addressing anxiety, confidence, safety, motivational and social norm barriers.